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Heart Attitudes: How Can We Justify Refusing?

One attitude that is very hard to change is the subject of today’s article. It’s extremely hard to change because of the cause for the attitude. Someone has wronged us, offended us, hurt us. Our normal response is to write them off; reject them and have nothing more to do with them. At the very least, until they come, express sincere apologies, make things right and demonstrate that they have changed. Even then, we may hesitate. After all, what they did was inexcusable. What if we wronged God, offended Him and hurt Him? What if His attitude was: “No, I won’t forgive you!?” The fact is that we have sinned against God far more than anyone has against us. Nevertheless, when we “own up,” He forgives! The amazing part is that we offend many times and He not only forgives but helps us change. Interestingly, when we release those who offend us, “we” experience release. When we don’t, the cancer of bitterness eats away at us, sabotaging our spiritual lives. God’s Word is clear: “….be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). “Help us forgive, forgiving Lord the wrong that others do, and, when our hearts are pierced by pain, to bring the hurt to You. For on the cross You bore for us the curse, the scorn, the hate and gave Your life to lift from us sin’s cruel and crushing weight.Let grace unlock each prisoned heart, uncoil each fisted hand until from hate our hearts are freed, our hands in love extend. And then, the broken circle closed, the broken friendships healed, Lord, hold us fast within the bonds by Your forgiveness sealed.” (From the hymn: “Help Us Forgive, Forgiving Lord,” by Herman G. Stuempfle). Selah! God’s grace and mercy has flowed into the lives of all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior; let us let it flow on into other lives, touching them as it has touched us. Ron